First Team v London Road (St. Peters), 26 Feb 2005 (League)

Six points separate Town and promotion in the Herts Senior League as they completely overwhelmed basement side London Road (St Peters) on Saturday.

Paul Attfield's side completed a treble victory over their St Albans based opponents during which time they have notched-up 21 goals, and in so doing require two more victories for an automatic promotion place.

The pitch at ‘The Bury' survived a midday inspection but as light rain fell throughout the game the home side should be commended for some of the attacking football they produced as the pitch deteriorated.

The game itself was an open affair throughout with Town's back three of Gary Smith, Chris Wisson and Lee Ridings up against a three-man forward line as the visitors looked for positive start.

However the form of Town's back line has been tremendous this season and although the visitors’ approach play was neat and precise they created very little to endanger Damion Williamson’s goal and Buntingford's forward play gradually began to create clear openings.

Matt Charles doubles Town's lead

Dave Morbin had already hit the bar with a rasping shot, and also had an effort well saved, when in the l4th minute he released live-wire teenager Charlie Henry who rounded Steve Cunningham in the visiting goal to score with ease.

Two minutes later Matt Charles doubled the lead when he picked up a loose ball outside the area and rifled in a twenty yard strike.

Now completely in control and playing with great confidence the lead was trebled on 21 minutes when the industrious Jamie Williams released Charlie Henry who finished with great confidence, and the same player also set up Matt Charles on 34 minutes for a simple finish.

Williams deserved his only goal of the game just before half time when the skill and pace of Morbin beat four players before laying him on for a simple eight-yard finish to give Town a 5-0 lead.

Paul Attfield used the second half to give a debut to recent signing Ian Tokley who fitted in admirably and was on the pitch to witness Charlie Henry's hat trick goal on 57 minutes which was another trademark one-on-one opportunity and set up yet again by Williams.

Henry terrorises the London Road defence once more

Henry completed his four-goal tally on 73 minutes with the best goal of the game.

a fine five-man passing movement ending with Nick Treadwell crossing for Henry who scored with a thumping diving header from eight yards.

Buntingford's scoring was completed by Treadwell on 77 minutes when he sent a rasping 20 yard strike past Cunningham after being set up by George Garner and London Rd then scored an injury time consolation.

Some of the football we played would have torn apart much better teams than this and I can only commend my players for another very professional and entertaining performance.

Our attacking options are unlimited at the moment and we are creating chances from all over the pitch; our unbeaten run is now 10 games, and presents the whole squad a good challenge in trying to extend it”.